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12 Joints In Tokyo That Serve The Best Veg Food Even The Non-Vegetarians Will Love

More Than Just A Survival Guide For Your Vegetarian Taste Buds If You're In Tokyo

PrintAshutosh Parekh

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This piece is a rebuttal to all those who feel sorry for us vegetarians, assuming we must have starved on a recent trip to Japan. Or even worse, centre us in their thepla – acchaar pot-shots.

Yes, it is not always easy to escape the almost omnipresent katsuobushi (fish flakes) and dashi (fish stock) in your meals when you're in Japan, but there is life beyond sushi, shabu-shabu and Wagyu beef. However, its capital city, Tokyo, with maximum Michelin stars (304 to be precise) and most considerate citizens, will never let any herbivore will starve. Even the combini (as a convenient store is called locally) has enough for a grazer, and ample Indian eateries, all over.

1. Ain-Soph Journey

Hidden gem for sure it is. No sign board and a unique name makes it this “blink and miss” bistro even tougher to find. But the food makes up for the weary feet, once you have spotted it.

Think Tofu Spanish omelettes and salad parfait to vegetarian paella paired with their organic house wine. The rustic white walls, wooden Moroccan tables, and the boho–chic crowd add to its charm.

It’s a crime to leave Ain Spoh Journey without devouring on their vegan pancakes with seasonal fruits and homemade ice-cream.

How to get there: The easiest way to find it is to follow signs to Exit C5 when at Shinjuku-sanchome Station and you are there.

3-8-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Q Building B1, 1F, 2F, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

2. Pure Deli & Store

Earlier known as Pure Café, one of the first vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo, it was reborn as Pure Deli and Store.

The familiar grain salads, sandwiches, smoothies and soups are mainstays, but it’s their teriyaki burger that gets me weak, accompanied by a medicinal tea or soy latte.

The place has a funky vibe to it, with heaps of creative folks that make it their pit stop for an organic meal on-the-go. Fair price and eco sensitive.

How to get there: 5-5-21 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

3. Sasaya Café

Tempeh cutlets or croquettes with brown rice and curries, Indian ones too, are staple on its limited menu. Or look out for their daily special, announced on Twitter, which is usually a sell-out.

Spartan interiors with a community table, set in a roomy warehouse makes it a good choice for families.The natural cola is unique and bakery takeaways are fresh, especially the almost incongruous tomato and tofu muffin or gluten free Matcha and marmalade cake.

Given that the Sasaya Cafe is situated at the base of Tokyo Sky Tree and close to the Sumida River makes it popular with tourists.

How to get there: 1-1-10 Yokokawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

4. Bon

Borrowing from shojinryori, culinary traditions of Buddhist monks from the ancient Edo era, Bon is an upscale vegetarian favourite for a taste of old world Japan.

A reservation is a good idea and definitely don’t underestimate the portion size. Priced to fit a fancy meal, its fucha lunch sets are extremely popular.

How to get there: 1-2-11 Ryusen Taito-ku 110-0012, Tokyo

5. Tudor Tranquility

The food here is almost therapeutic! Calms your nerves and satiates your palate sans any fuss. Owner and chef Mamta Reid of Zambian–Jamaican roots with original recipes has a fine grip on taste, texture and colour of her “plant-based cuisine”.

Their 8-course prix fixe is worth the yens. Tudore Tranquility, since 2015 continues to offer unparalleled dining experience in a sanctuary away from the bustling mega polis traits of Tokyo.

How to get there: 2-6-16 Uehara, 1F, Shibuya-ku 151-0064, Tokyo

6. La Table Du Primeur

It goes beyond just being vegetarian to be the city’s first ever raw food café making it a massive hit with folks with special food requests. Vegan, gluten-free, and all things organic, its philosophy shuns anything synthetic. Think probiotic and fermented.

Frequented by the locals who have a sweet tooth, La Table Du Primeur's 3-course salad- entrée- dessert is easy on the pocket. And yes, it’s the only place in Asia that serves raw ice-cream – guaranteed guilt free.

How to get there: 3-9-16 Akasaka, B1F, Minato-ku 107-0052, Tokyo

7. T’s Tan Tan Ramen

My annual pilgrimage to Tokyo’s humble hot-spot, T's restaurant, for the most delicious ramen noodles in their herbivorous avatar continues. The house specialty is the Chinese-style tantanmen noodles in sesame spiked broth with a splash of peanut oil and green toppings.

Their curries too have many fans, so be prepared to wait before you get a seat. On your way out, make sure to shop for their Japanese spice mixes.

8. Daigo

The dilemma to eat or not to eat persists here--almost every traditional Buddhist shojin ryori meal is like a work of art at Daigo. Specify your “no meat” instruction while swinging a reservation and pick the multi-course bamboo kaiseki meal for dinner at this two Michelin star restaurant.

Located in the belly of Tokyo, at the base of Mt. Atago hill, in an old-world tea house with Japanese gardens, Daigo is an ideal place for date night. Definitely, worth the splurge.

How to get there: 2-3-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0002

9. The Sushi

Its unassuming name is what attracted me. Simply called 'The Sushi' with the obvious to offer.

Located on the rooftop of the friendly 5-star setting of Andaz Tokyo, it has just eight coveted seats to enjoy the front row multi-sensory ride led by Master Chef Onuma. It helped letting him know earlier, that I was on a vegetarian trail, as he skilfully prepared an omakase-style sushi experience, lasting over for two hours.

Curated and warm personalised service, with respect for our vegetarian choices, made us feel just as worthy as carnivores on the next table. We loved every minute here making the entire sushi almost sacred.

10. Salon de Thé ROND

Limited menu has unique beverages, sumptuous sandwiches and comforting confectionary, all fresh and flavourful. And their prized pick is the soft orange cake with copious cappuccino.

A perfect pit stop between two galleries at the National Art Centre filled with good looking locals and whimsical art aficionados, it is always buzzing. Salon De The Rond has one of the most enviable, futuristic settings.

How to get there: The National Arts Centre Tokyo 2F 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

11. Ume no Hana

If tofu turns you on, be sure to be satiated at this upscale eatery in Ginza neighbourhood. Ume no Hana has didactic dedication to the simple soybean curd, turning it into the star of every gourmet dish on the menu.

Start with wheat starch on sticks with sweet miso paste called Namafu Dengaku, before endless tofu dishes take over to finally end it with soybean ice cream dusted with roasted soybean powder and azuki jelly.

The 10-course Zen kaiseki meal is a must-try if you're taking up its private tatami room dining experience, which needs an advance reservation and intimation of your vegetarian preference.

The meal was simple and service was prompt with a strong commitment to "La vita Bio” (organic life). The wood fired Tarnavo pizza with basil and smoked mozzarella and Tariorini pasta, lathered in tomota sauce and herbs are must-try. Don’t be shy to end it with home-style gelato and lemon guranita or Saromoni's organic coffee.